The Only Man for Her

by Kristi Gold

  She continued to hold him long after their tears subsided and sleep began to settle over her. She could rest easily now knowing that her husband was going to be okay.

  They were going to be okay.

  * * *

  DRESSED IN A LILAC SATIN bridesmaid dress, Rachel linked her arm with Matt’s as they followed the bride and groom across the wooden bridge and headed to the newly refurbished farmhouse for the reception.

  “Who gets married on a bridge in the middle of nowhere?” her husband muttered as they picked their way down the grassy path leading to their final destination.

  “Two people who met for the first time on that bridge,” Rachel answered. “Besides, it was beautiful.” And it had been. White satin streamers and purple orchids had been woven through the railing and a white canopy had provided protection against the possibility of rain that fortunately hadn’t come. “I swear, sometimes men are so obtuse when it comes to romance.”

  He grinned. “Yeah. We’re a regular bunch of clueless buffoons when it comes to that kind of thing.”

  She paused to give him a quick kiss. “But you’re my clueless buffoon.”

  By the time they made it to the front yard where a massive tent had been set up for the after-wedding party, Rachel wanted only a large glass of water and a place to rest her aching arches.

  She didn’t have the opportunity for either when Jess wrenched her arm from Matt’s and started dragging her toward the house. “Come with me and make it quick.”

  Her fellow matron of honor didn’t know any other speed than quick. But when they started up the stairs, Rachel pulled her arm out of her grasp for fear she might tumble backward. “Slow down, Jess. We’re both pregnant and wearing heels. That’s a recipe for disaster.”

  “Fine.” She tossed the word back over a shoulder as she continued to climb. “But we don’t have a lot of time.”

  Was something on fire other than Jess’s auburn hair? “Time for what?”

  “You’ll see.”

  Once they reached the landing, Jess took a right down the hall and opened the door to Savannah’s old bedroom. “Come in.”

  Rachel peeked around Jess to see Savannah standing by the bed, holding a garment bag draped over one arm. Apparently the bride needed help changing out of her wedding gown and into her second outfit specially designed for the reception.

  As soon as Rachel entered the room, Savannah laid the bag on the bed and unzipped it, revealing a long white chiffon gown with tiny pearls sewn randomly into the bodice. “Put down the bouquet, take off your bridesmaid’s dress and put this on,” she said as she held it up.

  Huh? “I’m not quite following you, Savannah.”

  Jess walked to Savannah’s side, presenting a united front. “No arguments. You’re getting married in a few minutes. Again.”

  Serious concerns overrode Rachel’s common sense as she regarded her erstwhile attorney. “Savannah, didn’t you tear up the divorce papers?”

  That earned her a hearty laugh from both her gal pals. “Of course I did,” Savannah said. “This is something someone wants to do for you.”

  “Who?”

  Jess rolled her eyes. “The caterer. She wanted to bake two cakes and really rake in the dough, pun intended.”

  Savannah sent Jess a frustrated look before bringing her attention back to Rachel. “Your husband arranged the whole thing. He wanted you to finally have a real wedding, complete with the dress and the flowers and, yes, the cake. When he talked to me about it, I suggested we share our wedding day with you. Everything’s already set up and all our friends are here, so why not?”

  To think she’d recently accused her husband of being dense when it came to romance. However, once again they’d be reaping the rewards of someone else’s hard work. “But this is supposed to be Sam’s and your day. Won’t this take away from that?”

  “Look at it this way,” Jess said. “We’re recycling one bridesmaid dress and the decorations. In this day and time, it’s good to go green.”

  Savannah gave Rachel a heartfelt look. “Aside from that, I can’t think of anything more special than sharing this time with two of the people I care about most. Two people who came so close to losing each other.”

  “Chase and I would join in the fun, too, and renew our vows,” Jess added, lightening the mood. “But since we had our wedding less than six months ago and I’m already knocked up, it’s probably better we didn’t try that. Besides, too many brides spoil the wedding stew.”

  They all laughed then. Crazy, loud laughter reminiscent of their youth when they’d been three young girls who’d only dreamed of finding the loves of their life. Luckily, they’d all found their true loves, not in some exotic place, but among their little group known as the six-pack.

  Jess pulled the dress off the hanger and handed it to Rachel. “Let’s get this party started so I can eat. The flowers were starting to look good during the bridge bash.”

  Rachel examined the fabric and found it to be vaguely familiar. “Did this come from the boutique where we got our dresses, Savannah?”

  “It came from your father’s closet,” she said. “It’s your mother’s gown. Jess and I had it altered to make it a little more modern. And since it’s an empire waist, it should fit you fine.”

  Lately she’d been a hormonal wreck, either crying or on the verge of crying. She’d shed a few tears during Sam and Savannah’s vows, but now she felt as if the waterworks might begin in earnest. “You guys are the best.”

  After a brief group hug, Jess helped Rachel into the gown while Savannah changed into a short white cocktail dress. Rachel walked to the floor-length mirror to inspect the fit and immediately recalled her parents’ wedding photograph. The dress’s long lace sleeves had been removed, but the rest of the gown remained intact, from the sweetheart neckline to the lengthy train. Overall, she felt like a beautiful bride, thankful that she would finally have a part of her mother with her when she repeated her vows a second time.

  Satisfied everything was in place, Rachel turned and pronounced, “I’m ready.”

  “Not quite,” Savannah said as she opened the jewelry box on the bureau and withdrew a string of pearls. “These were my grandmother’s and should fulfill the something borrowed, as well as the something old.”

  “And we can’t forget that blue requirement.” Jess rifled through a plastic bag sitting on the end of the bed, pulled out a garter and shot it at Rachel like a rubber band. “Put this on.”

  After Savannah secured the necklace, Rachel sat on the edge of the mattress, slipped the garter on and stood. “Now are we ready?”

  “One more thing,” Savannah said as she opened a white box resting on the nightstand. She took out a bouquet crafted from magnolias, Rachel’s favorite flowers. “Matt wanted you to have your own one of these.”

  If she didn’t stop the urge to cry, she’d surely risk tripping from blurred vision as she strolled down the aisle. “They’re wonderful.”

  Following a series of raps, Jess walked to the door. “If that’s who I think it is, we’re definitely ready to roll.”

  When Jess pulled the door open, Rachel expected to see Matt on the other side, but her expectations weren’t met. Still, she was both thrilled and amazed to find her father standing in the hallway, looking debonair in his dark silk suit and a little misty when he surveyed her gown and sent her a sincere smile.

  “You look beautiful, princess,” he said. “Your mother would be so proud of you. I only wish she were here to see you.”

  So did Rachel. She crossed the room and hugged him hard. “And you’re supposed to be in Florida.”

  He straightened his tie and smoothed his lapels. “I flew back this morning after Matt called and told me what he was planning.”

  “I’m so glad you’re here, Dad.” And very appreciative of her husband for so many reasons. “But I really hate that you had to interrupt your trip.”

  “I wouldn’t have missed finally giving my daughter away,”
he said. “I did tell Matthew that I’d only agree as long as he promised to treat you well and not to give you back.”

  “Not to worry,” she said. “He’s stuck with me now.”

  He held out his arm for her. “Shall we?”

  “Yes, we shall.”

  As they traveled down the hall toward the staircase, Rachel noticed a brown-haired, blue-eyed woman waiting at the top of the landing. She wore a pale yellow linen suit, impressive diamond earrings and a soft, sincere smile.

  Her dad paused immediately in front of the lady and grinned like a teenager on his way to the prom. “June, this is my daughter, Rachel.”

  She held out her hand to Rachel for a gentle shake. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, sweetie. I hope you don’t mind that I’m here.”

  How could she mind when she’d been so curious about her? “I’m very happy you’re here, June. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, too.”

  June’s smile expanded. “Well, I’ll go on downstairs and take my seat.”

  After June descended the stairs, Rachel and her father followed suit, with Savannah and Jess trailing behind them. And when they reached the front porch, the matrons of honor walked ahead toward the tent. She could hear the sounds of a piano playing Pachelbel’s Canon as they walked the rock path, just as it had been the day she and Matt had married for the first time.

  Her husband had definitely thought of everything, right down to the last detail. And when she entered the tent, she understood exactly how thoughtful he’d been. A silver-haired, stately man stood at the end of the makeshift aisle flanked by rows of white chairs decorated with more magnolias. The same man who’d united them in marriage all those years ago. And to the judge’s left, his beloved Helen sat at the piano, expertly playing the favorite song.

  When Rachel caught Matt’s gaze, he gave her a wink and a slight grin. If she’d had her way, she’d have ditched the heels and taken off toward him on a dead run. Instead, she tempered her steps and held back the tears as she and her dad continued forward.

  Rachel handed off the bouquet to Savannah as soon as they stopped in front of the judge.

  Jack slipped on a pair of glasses and removed a folded piece of paper from his suit pocket. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the second feature of today’s double wedding presentation,” he said, eliciting a few chuckles from the crowd. “Who presents this woman as she recommits to her husband?”

  “Her mother, God rest her soul, and I do.” Her father then kissed her cheek and placed her hand in Matt’s before joining the new woman in his life in the first row.

  Jack unfolded the paper and studied it for a few moments before putting it away again. “I tend to forget things now and then,” he said as he looked over the crowd. “But I’ll never forget these two young people who walked into my chapel some thirteen years ago. They were very young and broke and clearly in love with each other. It’s apparent that still holds true today, and I’m more than happy to reaffirm that love.” He gestured Rachel and Matt forward. “Please face each other as you once again pledge your devotion to one another.”

  After they complied, the judge continued in a voice as clear as a church bell. “You’ve already vowed to take each other in holy matrimony, through better and worse, good times and bad, in sickness and in health. Now will you both reaffirm those vows in front of the witnesses?”

  Matt and Rachel exchanged a look and a smile before saying, “We will.”

  “It’s now time to exchange the rings.”

  Only one ring. Though Rachel respected Matt’s reasoning for never wearing one, she couldn’t deny she’d been disappointed. But she wouldn’t let that derail these happy moments.

  Sam handed the wedding band Rachel had worn throughout the marriage to Matt. When she’d asked him about it only two days ago, he’d claimed he’d taken it to the jeweler’s to be cleaned. Perhaps only a partial truth, but she could live with that little white lie.

  “Matthew, repeat after me,” Jack said as Matt slipped the band onto her left ring finger, where it belonged. “I give you this symbol in honor of all that you are and always will be to me.”

  After Matt repeated the vow, Rachel assumed they were finished. She realized she was mistaken when Savannah leaned over, took her hand and dropped a wide silver band into her palm. When she turned back to her husband, he whispered, “It’s about time, huh?”

  “Rachel, repeat after me,” Jack said. “I give you this symbol of my love, a never-ending circle that knows no end.”

  Her hand trembled as she slid the band onto Matt’s finger. Her voice shook as well as she recited the vow. Never before had she felt so much love for the man standing in front of her.

  “Matt, Rachel,” Jack began. “Before I officially pronounce you wife and husband again, I’d like to remind you that marriage is not about giving up yourselves, but giving the best part of yourselves to each other. You may now kiss your bride, Matthew.”

  Matt kissed her perhaps a little longer than might be deemed appropriate. Kissed her until a round of noisy applause rang out, along with a few hoots and hollers, compliments of the groomsmen.

  “I love you, Rachel Ellen.”

  “I love you, too, Matthew Benjamin.”

  Jack placed his palm over their joined hands and smiled. “Now go forth, be fruitful and multiply, while you’re still young enough to enjoy the process.”

  Matthew gave her another wink and a smile. “We’ve already got that covered.”

  EPILOGUE

  HE SAT IN A CHAIR in the ornate nursery, only this time he wasn’t alone. He had a toddler with soft dark curls and even darker eyes tucked in the crook of one arm and a fairer-haired, blue-eyed newborn cradled in the other arm. He visually tracked the multicolored wild horses that ran along the pale lilac walls, each one enthusiastically painted by his wife. Then his gaze came to rest on the black letters stenciled above the matching cribs carefully crafted by his father—Meg and Ellie—the names bestowed upon his baby girls in honor of their grandmothers.

  Eighteen months ago they’d welcomed Ellie after a tense but uneventful birth, following a stressful pregnancy fraught with both joys and worries, plus several trips to a specialist. Neither he nor Rachel had been able to relax until they’d heard that first remarkable cry and caught the first glimpse of their baby’s eyes. Five weeks ago, after a not-quite-planned pregnancy and a fairly fast birth, Meg had joined the family as the quiet one of the bunch.

  Even now she slept peacefully, while her big sister moved restlessly against her father’s side, repeating her new favorite word over and over. “Book, book, book…”

  He looked down on Ellie’s angelic face and saw a little devil in those big brown eyes. “We’ll read a book at bedtime. First, we’re going to go outside and play in a bit. How does that sound?”

  She popped two fingers into her mouth and smiled around them. A smile that had hog-tied his heart from the first time he’d seen it. Fortunately for his wife, he’d taken to fatherhood like a duck to water, and although he’d spent a good deal of her first months watching every move Ellie made, he’d finally learned to relax. Sort of.

  He heard the doorbell ring, followed by the sound of approaching footsteps. Soon after, in walked his third favorite girl. His very favorite woman.

  Ellie pulled the fingers from her mouth with an audible pop and pointed at Rachel as if she’d come upon a new discovery. “Mama.”

  “Yep, that’s your mama.” And a damn good-looking mama at that.

  As she approached them, Rachel touched the plaque situated on the shelf right next to the miniature baseball glove. A plaque that read “Our angel, Caleb,” and served as a forever reminder of the little boy who’d briefly been in their lives, but had left a lasting impression. “The first of the usual suspects has arrived,” she said as she smiled down on the trio. “You ought to see Sam and Savannah’s baby. He looks just like her.”

  He’d rather look at his wife. He’d like to do more than look
. “What did the doctor say today?”

  “He said I’m perfectly fine to resume all prebirth activity.” She grinned. “But I really need to be careful so I can rest my uterus.”

  “He said that, too?”

  “Actually, no. That’s my contribution. As much as I love these two, I wouldn’t mind a little time to lose some of my baby weight before we dive in again.”

  As far as he was concerned, she still looked incredible, especially this evening. She had on a flowing summer-weight yellow top covering her white shorts that revealed a good deal of her long, toned, tanned legs. Man, oh, man, she was still his walking, talking dream girl.

  “Well, you know how it is with us, sweetheart,” he said. “We’re like theater popcorn when it comes to making babies. Once we get started, we can’t seem to stop.”

  “Very true.” She lifted Meg into her arms and rested the baby on her shoulder. “Now, if Daddy and his pretty little shadow would kindly get up to help greet the guests, I’d appreciate it. In the meantime, I’m going to feed this little one, provided I can get her to wake up.”

  Matt came to his feet with Ellie propped on his hip. “How long is this shindig going to last?”

  “Until everyone leaves.” She dropped into the rocker and tried on an innocent look. “Why? Do you have other plans?”

  Oh, yeah. “Between the hours of eleven and 2:00 a.m., I plan to have you all to myself.”

  “That sounds like a good plan. It’s important to spend whatever time we can together, since it’s such a precious commodity.”

  Her suddenly wistful tone concerned Matt. “Something wrong?”

  “I spoke to Helen today,” she said. “I told her we’d be there in two weeks.”

  That explained the mood change. “How’s Jack doing?”

  “As well as can be expected, I guess. Helen said they’ve learned to live with quieter days. Sometimes he doesn’t remember people, including the grandkids and J.W. But so far, he hasn’t forgotten her.”

  “I doubt he ever will,” he said. “If it were me, I’d never forget you.”